How to Clean the Dishwasher for Sparkling Results
If you’re wondering how to clean the dishwasher and keep it running efficiently, you’ve come to the right place! Regular cleaning is essential to remove buildup, eliminate odours, and ensure your dishwasher is working at its best.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Dishwasher
Even though your dishwasher is designed to clean, it needs some care too. Grease, food particles, and soap scum can build up over time, leading to poor performance. Knowing how to clean the dishwasher properly will extend its life and keep your dishes spotless.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean the Dishwasher
(1) Start with a Thorough Inspection:
Before you begin cleaning, inspect your dishwasher’s interior to identify any areas that need special attention. Check the drain for clogs or debris, look for signs of mold or mildew, and inspect the spray arms to ensure they’re functioning properly.
(2) Clean the Filter:
Most modern dishwashers have a removable filter located at the bottom of the machine. This filter catches food particles and prevents them from being recirculated. Over time, it can become clogged with debris, which may cause unpleasant odors or poor cleaning results.
How to clean the filter:
- Remove the bottom rack to access the filter.
- Twist and pull out the filter.
- Rinse it under warm water, using a soft brush or sponge to remove stubborn debris.
- Replace the filter after cleaning.
(3) Wipe Down the Door and Seals:
The door and its rubber seals can trap dirt, grease, and grime, leading to mold growth or bad smells. Use a damp cloth and mild dish soap to wipe down the inside of the door, paying special attention to the edges and around the seals. A small toothbrush can help you reach tight corners.
(4) Unclog the Spray Arms:
The spray arms are essential for distributing water throughout the dishwasher. Over time, the small holes in these arms can become blocked with mineral deposits or food particles, reducing their effectiveness.
How to clean the spray arms:
- Remove the spray arms by unscrewing or unclipping them (check your user manual for instructions).
- Use a toothpick or a small brush to unclog the holes.
- Rinse them under running water before reattaching.
(5) Run a Vinegar Cleaning Cycle:
Vinegar is a natural, non-toxic cleaner that can break down grease, soap scum, and grime. Running a vinegar cleaning cycle will help remove buildup inside your dishwasher, freshen it up, and improve its performance.
How to run a vinegar cleaning cycle:
- Fill a dishwasher-safe cup with white vinegar and place it on the top rack.
- Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle possible, without any dishes inside.
- The vinegar will help dissolve grease and grime while sanitizing the interior.
(6) Use Baking Soda for Extra Freshness:
After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot water cycle.
Baking soda will neutralize any remaining odors and leave your dishwasher smelling fresh.
It will also help scrub away any lingering grime.
(7) Tackle Hard Water Stains:
If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits (like limescale) can build up inside your dishwasher, affecting its efficiency.
To remove these stains, you can use citric acid or a commercial dishwasher cleaner designed to combat hard water buildup.
Follow the instructions on the product packaging, or run another cleaning cycle with a cup of citric acid in the detergent dispenser.
(8) Wipe Down the Exterior:
Don’t forget to clean the outside of your dishwasher as well. Use a damp cloth and mild dish soap to wipe down the front panel, buttons, and handle. If your dishwasher has a stainless-steel finish, use a stainless-steel cleaner for a polished look.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
- Filter: Every week or two, depending on how frequently you use your dishwasher.
- Spray arms and interior: Once a month to prevent buildup.
- Exterior: As needed, when you notice fingerprints or spills.
(9) Final Thoughts
Regularly cleaning your dishwasher will not only help it perform better but also extend its lifespan. With these easy steps, you can keep your dishwasher sparkling clean and ensure it continues to do its job effectively. After all, a clean dishwasher means cleaner dishes!
